Thomas Tuchel has criticised FIFA after Jarell Quansah's one-match suspension was upgraded to a two-game ban following England's World Cup win over Mexico. The England boss admitted he has received no explanation for the decision as his side prepare for a quarter-final against Norway.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled no punches when dissecting Belgium’s dramatic World Cup quarter-final exit, laying the blame squarely at the feet of manager Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The legendary Swedish striker was left utterly bewildered by the decision to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois with the Manchester United shot-stopper ahead of Mike Penders.
Bryan Robson believes Thomas Tuchel has overlooked the one defender best equipped to handle Erling Haaland ahead of England's World Cup clash with Norway. The former England captain argues Harry Maguire's physicality would have made him the ideal match for the prolific striker, despite backing the Three Lions to edge a close contest.
Thierry Henry made a surprise appearance in the France dressing room to congratulate the squad following their commanding 2-0 World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco. The legendary forward shared a warm embrace with captain Kylian Mbappe before glowing about the team's defensive cohesion, though he warned that the job is not yet finished.
Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Switzerland at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this quarter-final clash in Kansas City.
Lamine Yamal says Spain have nothing to fear ahead of their World Cup semi-final against France after reminding Les Bleus of La Roja's recent record in the fixture. The teenage winger also brushed aside criticism of his goalscoring record, insisting team success matters far more than individual numbers.
Xavi has recalled the moment he first realised Lamine Yamal was a once-in-a-generation talent, revealing how the Barcelona teenager immediately reminded him of Lionel Messi. The former Blaugrana boss also explained why he believes the Spain international has the mentality and ability to dominate world football for years to come.
Harry Kane has opened up about his "surreal experience" playing a round of golf with United States President Donald Trump in Florida. Speaking ahead of the Three Lions' crucial World Cup quarter-final against Norway, the Bayern Munich striker returned the compliments paid by the president, admitting the 80-year-old politician is a surprisingly good golfer.
Thibaut Courtois has expressed his immense devastation after a cruel quadriceps injury forced him out of Belgium's heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final exit against Spain. The Real Madrid goalkeeper left the pitch in tears before his replacement, Senne Lammens, committed a costly late error that allowed Mikel Merino to seal a 2-1 victory.
Luis de la Fuente has hailed Mikel Merino as a player "tailor-made" for Spain's tactical identity following their hard-fought victory over Belgium. The midfielder's impact proved decisive as La Roja secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Senegal icon Sadio Mane has officially announced his retirement from international football following the country's recent elimination from the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward calls time on a legendary 14-year career with the Lions of Teranga, during which he earned 130 caps and famously secured continental glory.
Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to win a game for Spain as the European Champions beat Belgium 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup. La Roja unsurprisingly dominated possession from the first whistle in Los Angeles and, after plenty of patient probing, they took a deserved lead when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range, after Thibaut Courtois had failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot to safety.
The Arsenal-loving DJ has teamed up with MUNDIAL on two bold designs inspired by UK garage, football culture and the many identities of modern England.
Four years can transform a player pool. GOAL picks the established stars, rising prospects and wild cards who could form the USMNT’s next World Cup lineup.
Argentina have found themselves at the centre of a storm in the wake of their scintillating World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, amid sensational accusations of corruption and favouritism. However, this is one occasion where the demonisation of the Albiceleste doesn't feel justified. Two goals down against the rank underdogs in the second half, the holders survived by the skin of their teeth - coming from behind to miraculously turn the tie on its head in the space of 14 minutes at the very end of the match. But since the final whistle in Atlanta, the gravity of that feat has been overshadowed.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received an unusual honour after a newly-discovered marine mollusc was named after him by Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea. The tribute follows the veteran's standout performances at the World Cup, where he helped his country make history on their tournament debut.
Harry Kane forms part of GOAT conversations in the England national team, but former Three Lions striker Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL how “recency bias” impacts that debate and why a “pool” of greats should be celebrated rather than singling out individuals. Kane is currently enjoying the best form of his career, with World Cup glory being pursued in North America.
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia insists his side will not focus solely on stopping Lamine Yamal ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Instead, he wants the Red Devils to disrupt Spain collectively and believes they have the quality to end the European champions' unbeaten defensive run.
Erling Haaland insists England remain clear favourites ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final, despite his side's impressive run. The Manchester City striker is keeping expectations in check while embracing the challenge of facing familiar club team-mates for a place in the semi-finals.
Erik ten Hag has officially taken his name out of consideration to become the new Netherlands head coach following Ronald Koeman's departure. The former Manchester United manager insisted he remains completely committed to his current project as technical director at FC Twente, leaving the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to look elsewhere for a saviour.
Erling Haaland has carried the hopes of a nation upon Norway's return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence, but while his goals have been vital to their cause, the Manchester City hitman hasn't been shouldering that burden alone. The Scandinavians are back at the World Cup having built a solid team unit that isn't solely reliant on its star striker, and the supporting cast have been showing what they can do in North America.
Kylian Mbappe admitted he lost focus before missing a penalty against Morocco after a lengthy VAR delay caused confusion over whether the spot-kick would stand. The France captain also played down fears over an ankle knock and insisted he will be ready for the World Cup semi-final.
Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has set his sights on a dream World Cup final against defending champions Argentina, revealing his desire to swap shirts with icon Lionel Messi. The Barcelona starlet chose to remain grounded regarding pre-tournament promises, insisting that securing the prestigious trophy is the only objective that truly matters.
John Arne Riise has backed Erling Haaland to inspire Norway to victory over England in the World Cup quarter-finals, describing the Manchester City star as the world's best striker. The former Liverpool defender also believes the Drillos can dream of lifting the trophy if they overcome Thomas Tuchel's side.
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